Patents by Inventor Alfred Blalock Bahnson

Alfred Blalock Bahnson has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Adaptive phase contrast microscope
    Patent number: 9069175
    Abstract: An optical microscope is provided with an adjustable optical phase ring. The adjustable ring provides a way to compensate for distortion in the visible phase ring before the light reaches the sample. In an inverted microscope, when observing transparent cells under a liquid, the visible light phase ring is distorted. By the use of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) in place of a fixed ring, the projected ring is adjusted to realign the light and produce phase. In a typical micro plate, the meniscus formed produces a lens effect that is realigned by providing changes in the position and pattern, to allow phase imaging over a wider portion of the well. The realignment of the ring can be manual or automated and can be dynamically adjusted based upon an observed image of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Kairos Instruments, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas J. Koebler, Alfred Blalock Bahnson
  • ADAPTIVE PHASE CONTRAST MICROSCOPE
    Publication number: 20120257040
    Abstract: An optical microscope is provided with an adjustable optical phase ring. The adjustable ring provides a way to compensate for distortion in the visible phase ring before the light reaches the sample. In an inverted microscope, when observing transparent cells under a liquid, the visible light phase ring is distorted. By the use of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) in place of a fixed ring, the projected ring is adjusted to realign the light and produce phase. In a typical micro plate, the meniscus formed produces a lens effect that is realigned by providing changes in the position and pattern, to allow phase imaging over a wider portion of the well. The realignment of the ring can be manual or automated and can be dynamically adjusted based upon an observed image of the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: KAIROS INSTRUMENTS, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas J. Koebler, Alfred Blalock Bahnson
  • Method and apparatus for monitoring of proteins and cells
    Patent number: 6830931
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring proteins and cells. The apparatus includes a plate having wells in which cells are disposed. The apparatus includes means for analyzing the effect or proteins and other biological and chemical moieties on the cells. A method for monitoring of proteins and cells. A method for analyzing a cells. An apparatus for aligning light in a well of a plate for holding cells. A method for lighting a well. A method for determining a condition of a cell. An apparatus for indicating a condition of a cell. A method for establishing a focus profile of a plate having wells for holding cells. A method for manipulating cells. An apparatus for manipulating cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Automated Cell, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Blalock Bahnson, Douglas J. Koebler, Charalambos N. Arthanassiou, Raymond K. Houck, Kris Sachsenmeier, Lei Qian
  • Suppression of non-biological motion
    Patent number: 6821747
    Abstract: A method for analyzing a cell or cells by suppressing non-biological movement. The method includes the steps of placing the cell or cells in a solution having a viscosity enhancement medium. There can be the step of measuring the motility of the cell, or other desired attributes of the cell or cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Automated Cell, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred Blalock Bahnson
  • Method and apparatus for monitoring of proteins and cells
    Publication number: 20030082818
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring proteins and cells. The apparatus includes a plate having wells in which cells are disposed. The apparatus includes means for analyzing the effect or proteins and other biological and chemical moieties on the cells. A method for monitoring of proteins and cells. A method for analyzing a cells. An apparatus for aligning light in a well of a plate for holding cells. A method for lighting a well. A method for determining a condition of a cell. An apparatus for indicating a condition of a cell. A method for establishing a focus profile of a plate having wells for holding cells. A method for manipulating cells. An apparatus for manipulating cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: Automated Cell, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred Blalock Bahnson, Douglas J. Koebler, Charalambos N. Athanassiou, Raymond K. Houck, Kris F. Sachsenmeier, Lei Qian
  • Suppression of non-biological motion
    Publication number: 20030017522
    Abstract: A method for analyzing a cell or cells by suppressing non-biological movement. The method includes the steps of placing the cell or cells in a solution having a viscosity enhancement medium. There can be the step of measuring the motility of the cell, or other desired attributes of the cell or cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: Automated Cell, Inc.
    Inventor: Alfred Blalock Bahnson